COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
| BASIC COURSES AVAILABLE TO ALL STUDENTS (PREREQUISITES EXIST) | ||
| PHYSICAL SCIENCE | Course Code: 3421 (9) |
2 Credits 2 Semesters |
| Physical Science is an introduction to the major concepts of Physics and Chemistry. This course is intended to be an “inquiry” course; students will be asked to “act and think like scientists” as they investigate the physical world around them. | ||
| BIOLOGY | Course Code: 3121 (10) |
2 Credits 2 Semesters |
| This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of life science and illustrate the application of these principles to life. Biology focuses on scientific investigation and technology; organic chemistry, cell structure and processes; cellular growth and division; photosynthesis; cellular respiration; genetics; DNA, RNA and protein synthesis; genetic engineering and the human genome; diversity of life and evolutionary processes; classification; ecology; populations; and humans in the biosphere. | ||
| ENVIROMENTAL SCIENCE | Course Code: 3313 (11-12) | 2 Credits 2 Semesters |
| Prerequisite: Successful Passage of Physical Science and Biology | ||
| This course offers an overview of environmental
issues and challenges facing our world today. This course
is designed to teach students to critically think through
information they read, hear and study. The topics covered
will include, but are not limited to: ecosystems, water, waste, air, atmosphere, biodiversity, alternative forms of Energy, sustainability, and careers related to environmental science. Students will also have the hands on experience of growing, mainting and harvesting a school garden. |
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| CHEMISTRY | Course Code: 3530 (11-12) | 2 Credits 2 Semesters |
| Prerequisite: Successful Passage of Physical Science, Biology and Algebra 1 | ||
| This course is designed for the student who does not plan on pursuing a science or technology related career. This course has less mathematical and highly abstract material than a traditional chemistry class. The main emphasis is on practical, real-life applications of hemistry in our society. Societal problems and issues like air and water pollution, waste disposal, resource management, nutrition and hunger, energy supply and nuclear issues are discussed. These controversial issues are examined from social, economic and political as well as scientific viewpoints. | ||
| GEOSCIENCE | Course Code: 3705 (11-12) | 2 Credits 2 Semesters |
| Prerequisite: Successful Passage of Physical Science and Biology | ||
| This is a third year science course for those students
interested in Natural Science. The four main fields of
Earth Science (Geology, Oceanography, Meteorology
and Astronomy) will be studied over the course of both
semesters with emphasis being placed on Geology and Astronomy. Students are able to go on a few field trips (depending on availability and finance) and peer into the night sky to see planets, moon and stars. This class involves numerous hands-on activities. Geoscience students will also use telescopes, build models, and spend class time researching topics related to our planet. Knowledge of our place in the universe and how we are taking care of the earth is the main idea of this class. Students will leave with a working knowledge and appreciation for our planet’s past, present and future. |
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| ADVANCED COURSES FOR DEEPER / BROADER STUDY | ||
| ACCELERATED PHYSICAL SCIENCE | Course Code: 3445 (9) |
2 Credits 2 Semesters |
| Prerequisite: B or higher in Algebra 1 during 8th grade and be concurrently enrolled in Accelerated Geometry or Accelerated Algebra 2. Students should possess a strong work ethic for this course. | ||
| Accelerated Physical Science is an honors-level course intended to provide freshmen with a rigorous introduction to the essential concepts of chemistry and physics in preparation for advanced courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. In addition to mastering concepts, students will also engage in the process of scientific inquiry. Successful students demonstrate a strong interest in science, strong math skills, and an excellent work ethic. | ||
| ACCELERATED BIOLOGY | Course Code: 3250 (10) | 2 Credits 2 Semesters |
| Prerequisite: Passage of Accelerated Physical Science. Students should possess a strong work ethic for this course. | ||
| Accelerated Biology is an honors-level course intended to provide sophomores with a rigorous introduction to the essential concepts of life science. Coursework emphasizes the use of scientific inquiry, research, and technology to develop a broad, general understanding of the principles of the subject. Successful students demonstrate a strong interest in science and an excellent work ethic. | ||
| ACCELERATED CHEMISTRY 101 AT CHS (NIC CREDIT) | Course Code: 3541 (11-12) | 2 Credits 2 Semesters |
| Prerequisite: B or higher in Geometry and concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or more advanced mathematics course. Students should possess a strong work ethic for this course. | ||
| Chemistry 101 is a rigorous, fast-paced survey of the basic components of inorganic and organic chemistry that includes an emphasis on the application of chemical principles, mathematical problem solving, critical thinking and laboratory work. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be well-prepared to succeed in AP Chemistry and Collegiate General Chemistry courses. | ||
| ACCELEARATED PHYSICS B | Course Code: 3617 (11-12) | 1 Credit 1 Semester |
| Prerequisite: B or higher in Geometry and concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or more advanced mathematics course. Sophomores must receive instructor approval. Students should possess a strong work ethic for this course. | ||
| Physics B is a rigoroug, fast-paced introduction to the major concepts of kinematics and dynamics. The emphasis of the course will be on the application of physical principles, mathematical problem solving, critical thinking, and laboratory work. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be well-prepared to succeed in AP Physics and Collegiate General Physics courses. | ||
| ACCELERATED ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY / BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE | Course Code: 3219 (11-12) | 2 Credits 2 Semesters |
| Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physical Science and Biology. Concurrent Enrollment in Algebra 2 or more advanced mathematics course. Students should possess a strong work ethic for this course. | ||
| A third year science taken primarily by students wanting to pursue careers in the health and biotech fields, such as nursing, medicine, physical therapy, athletic training, medical research, and laboratory diagnostics. The course will include human anatomy and physiology, with an emphasis on the interrelationship of body organ systems and the complement of structure and function. Students will be introduced to many of the skills needed in the growing field of biotechnology. | ||
| AP BIOLOGY | Course Code: 3230 (11-12) | 2 Credits 2 Semesters |
| Prerequisite: Successful completion of Accelerated Physical Science and/or Accelerated Biology. Teacher recommendation required. Students should possess a strong work ethic for this course. | ||
| AP Biology is a fast paced, exciting survey class designed to be the equivalent of a first year general biology collegiate class. The class emphasizes basic biochemistry, cell structure and function, nucleic acids and proteins, genetic patterns of inheritance, genetic technology, ecology, evolution, and human health and physiology. Students interested in pursuing science degrees at the collegiate level or simply looking to build a complete college resume are encouraged to take this class. The class includes structured college level labs, research papers and experimental design projects involving laboratory work. Instruction is studentcentered with cooperative as well as teacher directed learning, thus providing students a college-level biology experience, opening doors for continued study at the university of your choice. | ||
| AP CHEMISTRY | Course Code: 3553 (11-12) | 2 Credits 2 Semesters |
| Prerequisite: B or higher in Geometry and concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or more advanced mathematics course, successful completion of summer assignment. Students should possess a strong work ethic for this course. | ||
| AP Chemistry is a course that is designed to be the equivalent of a first year, General Chemistry collegiate course. As such, this course is suitable only for high school students who maintain high levels of commitment, motivation and academic maturity. AP Chemistry students will build a greater understanding of the concepts and processes of chemistry through meaningful laboratory experiences. Additionally, students will improve their analytical skills through a variety of problem-solving experiences. | ||
| AP PHYSICS | Course Code: 3630 (11-12) | 2 Credits 2 Semesters |
| Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-Calculus. Physics B is highly recommended. Students should possess a strong work ethic for this course. | ||
| AP Physics is a methematics-based course designed to be the equivalent of a first year college Phyics class. This course is fast-paced and requires critical thinking, math and problem skills. It is best suited for highly motivated students with a track record of academic success or those with a desire to know how the physical world works. Espcially suitable for students with career goals in engineering, architecture, aeronautics, physics and cosmology. Recommended for any students who plan to major in science or mathematics in college. This course includes a laboratory component, intended to be equivalent to comperable college-level physics labs. | ||
